Warning

We did nothing for the one we share the gospel to. Surely not die on a cross. 

If the world loves you; you have received your reward for God is a jealous God. But it also means you have compromised the Truth. 

For the larger the crowd the bigger and taller the giants 

Remember: Fellowship is a crucial part of sharing the gospel 

The love of the world compromises sharing the gospel to others. When sharing the gospel to others, you hold grace in one hand and a sword in another 

Be aware: Many as they grow older they replace the sword for peace leaf as they filled their pocket

Be like King David! Do not despise the correction of the Lord.

"Holding grace in one hand, a sword in the other

- The Sword:

  - Symbolizes truth’s divisiveness (Heb. 4:12) and the boldness required to wield it (Eph. 6:17). 

 Jesus said, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matt. 10:34)—not violence, but a line between truth and error.  

- The Grace:  

  - The same hand extends mercy ("While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"—Rom. 5:8).  

- Balance:

  - Paul modeled this: "Speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15). Grace without truth is compromise; truth without grace is brutality.  

 

"The love of the world compromises sharing the Gospel"

 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them."* (1 John 2:15)  

Friendship with the world is enmity with God."* (James 4:4)  

  - The "world" here refers to systems, values, or priorities that oppose God’s Kingdom. When we crave human approval, comfort, or cultural relevance (worldly acceptance), we dilute the Gospel’s offense (1 Cor. 1:18).  

  - Example: A preacher who avoids sin/hell to seem "likable" betrays the Gospel’s urgency.  

 

"Replacing the sword for a peace leaf as they grow older"

 

- Observation:

  - Many believers (and even preachers) mellow with age, trading conviction for comfort. The "sword" of truth feels too heavy, so they cling to peacekeeping over truth-telling. 

 

- Danger:

  - Avoiding conflict ≠ biblical peace. True peace comes after repentance and reconciliation (Col. 3:15).  

  - Example: Jeremiah was told to "root out and tear down" before he could "build and plant" (Jer. 1:10).  

 

- Biblical Counterexamples:

  - Aged Paul never softened: “I have fought the good fight" (2 Tim. 4:7).  

  - John the Baptist died for his sword-like preaching (Mark 6:18).